Exploring Ireland

Welcome to Boyle, your final boating stop before heading back toward Carrick-on-Shannon. Here, history has left its mark on many buildings. Begin your walk at King House, an 18th-century mansion later converted into a military base for the British Army’s Irish Regiment. Today, it serves as both a museum and an art gallery. Not far away lies Boyle Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery founded in the 12th century by the prominent McDermott family (who also built the castle of the same name on Lough Key). Marvel at the intricately carved columns depicting monks and stroll through the peaceful cloister. Go even further back in time at the Drumalone Dolmen, a Neolithic burial monument erected around 5,000 years ago.

Once a busy commercial port handling Guinness and other goods, Dromod now serves pleasure boating via Shannon River Adventure Center. Ride the historic steam train at the Railway Museum, which also features WWI & WWII artifacts. Unwind by the “Weeping Tree” fountain, carved from a single oak trunk in the town center.

As you head north toward Carrick-on-Shannon, moor your boat at the marina in Lanesborough. After this village, you’ll leave Lough Ree behind and rejoin the Shannon. It’s a great place for a walk, a whisky tasting at the Lough Ree Distillery, or a quick grocery stop before cruising on.

Covering 105 km², Lough Ree is primarily loved by anglers but also offers diverse activities: hiking the Liliput Way trail, visiting the sacred well of Saint Faithleach, and exploring the castle and cemetery at Rathcline with Celtic crosses. The most visited attraction, Inchcleraun Island, is home to a 6th-century monastery designated a National Monument by Ireland. Legend has it that Queen Medb was killed here,by a slingshot… and a piece of cheese.

Life is bustling in Athlone, the largest town on the banks of the River Shannon. Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy here. For the whole family, a visit to the castle is a must,travel back 800 years through interactive exhibits and engaging displays. Then, admire the stained-glass windows of Saints Peter and Paul Church. And no river cruise in Ireland would be complete without a stop at Sean’s Bar, officially recognized as the oldest pub in Ireland.

Located along the Shannon, Clonmacnoise is an unmissable stop on your river cruise. Also known as “The Seven Churches,” this monastery,founded in 544,quickly became one of the most famous religious sites in Ireland. Wander among the ruins, try to identify the different buildings, decipher ancient tombstones, and admire the intricate detail of the Celtic crosses. Don’t miss the Whispering Door, where during the yellow plague, sinners could confess without risk of infection. Try its unique acoustics: whisper near the right-hand moulding, and the sound will travel along the arch to reach the listener’s ear on the left-hand side,without anyone else around being able to hear.

Small but vibrant, Banagher invites you to sip a local pint at the Railway Bar or JJ Hough’s Singing Pub with live Irish music. Walk across the stone bridge to the 19th-century Martello Tower, built to guard against a French invasion.

A small and quiet harbor perfect for relaxing. Take a walk, enjoy the pubs, and meet friendly locals in this charming Irish village.

Lough Derg: vastness to explore with the family. Ireland's third largest lake, there are many things to do around Lough Derg. Head to Twomilegate jetty and start the hike to the top of Moylussa to enjoy a superb view of the lake (allow 3½ hours for an easy to moderate hike to complete the 13 km loop). Then relax at West Lake Water Park. Feel free to wander around the lake and explore the dozens of small islands, accessible only by barge, where you will sometimes be completely alone (don't miss Inis Cealtra Island and its castle).